US Hip Hop Preorder 203 Items

Following his most commercially and critically successful year to date, Conway the Machine returns with his first full length offering of 2024, “Slant Face Killa.” Long teased as the second half of the chart-topping 2023 album, “won’t HE DO IT,” fans see Conway the Machine embracing his killer instincts on the mic, and doing so with versatility - rapping over the familiar gritty, dark beats fans remember discovering him on during his come up (Milano Nights, Pt. 1) to more unconventional beats, showcasing his ability to adapt and grow (Raw!). With an impressive feature list including Method Man, Raekwon, Joey Bada$$, Larry June, Key Glock, Jay Worthy & more, and production from heavyweight producers such as The Alchemist, Daringer, Conductor Williams, Cardo, Swizz Beatz & more, The Machine illustrates both his reach in today’s rap game, as well as his ability as a tastemaker. Known for consistently delivering quality music for his die-hard fans, The Machine is back to put his stamp on 2024. 2xLP Vinyl, includes Gatefold Jacket.

Limited to 500 copies, only available at HHV! Only 2 per customer!

Following his most commercially and critically successful year to date, Conway the Machine returns with his first full length offering of 2024, “Slant Face Killa.” Long teased as the second half of the chart-topping 2023 album, “won’t HE DO IT,” fans see Conway the Machine embracing his killer instincts on the mic, and doing so with versatility - rapping over the familiar gritty, dark beats fans remember discovering him on during his come up (Milano Nights, Pt. 1) to more unconventional beats, showcasing his ability to adapt and grow (Raw!). With an impressive feature list including Method Man, Raekwon, Joey Bada$$, Larry June, Key Glock, Jay Worthy & more, and production from heavyweight producers such as The Alchemist, Daringer, Conductor Williams, Cardo, Swizz Beatz & more, The Machine illustrates both his reach in today’s rap game, as well as his ability as a tastemaker. Known for consistently delivering quality music for his die-hard fans, The Machine is back to put his stamp on 2024. 2xLP Vinyl, includes Gatefold Jacket.

Sick 10 track solo EP from Thunder Jam Alliance artist "Cal-S.K.I." from 1996-1998.

Killer indie flavas for the heads!!!!

Sixteen beats in honor of the sixteen squares in Sirplus's Akai MPC 2000xl. Classic beats from a classic machine. No eight outs, just straight out the stereo jack. You can hear the time that was put into crafting a clean sound even without the detailed mixing from DAW. Raw beats from Sirplus with help from Exile on the turntables. That's it. Also take note of the vinyl only vocal feature from Blu on the last track. This version will not be on digital platforms.

Atlantic Rap Vol.1 is the first volume of DK’s forthcoming compilation, a three-volume showcase of brilliant lyricists from North America’s underground that bumps to the sounds of DK’s knocking and imaginative boom-bap. Enlisting MCs from rap capitals like New York (ufo Fev, Wais P), Detroit (Frank Nitt, Phat Kat, E-Fav), and Canada (Ghettosocks, Saukrates), DK scores their vivid verses with his fusion of crackling samples, analog synths, and progressive instrumentation. Each beat flattens time, conjuring the warmth and grit of ’90s production while moving into the future with lush musicality. DK pairs every suite with the perfect narrator, established and rising rappers who deliver grimy street memoirs and intricate verbal assaults. Atlantic Rap Vol. 1 is a highlight reel from the long-celebrated and the next to blow up.

Pharoahe Monch is one of the most revered and influential emcees in the history of hip-hop, and 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of his fourth studio album "PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder".

In PTSD, Pharoahe Monch continues the story he began telling in his previous LP, "W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)" from 2011. The Queens emcee narrates, in both literal and metaphoric ways, about the trials and tribulations of an independent artist who is at war with the music industry and the struggle of the black male experience in America.

In 2012, during an interview with Shawn Setaro, host of the podcast The Cipher, the rapper explained the connections between the two projects, beyond their titles. “The W.A.R. album was like, I’m going to battle against the machine, I’m doing this independently. I’m putting some things out that I learned and I’m going to expose about the music industry. PTSD is the result of me doing that, where I am emotionally now. It’s similar to how someone comes back from war and is stricken by re-adjusting to a regular situation.”

Monch told MTV Hive that PTSD is “more mental, emotional and personal” because it came out of the depths of a period of depression. He also gave the internal and external factors that helped him create the album. “I was working on the title track, which took me to a point in between Internal Affairs and Desire, where I was heavily depressed. Through the waiting period, the industry period, and going through a lot emotionally. Then there was the physical [problem] with asthma. It was the worst. So I started off with that title track and my manager was like, ‘Yo, let’s really dive into that state and how you got to where you are now, and how this follows what people go through to get back to a so-called ‘normal’ situation’.”

The concept album follows a veteran through combat experience, his return home, relationship dissolution, drug addiction, painful depression, and, finally, a triumphant but realistically rendered decision to keep living and struggling.

And we're back in Tacoma, WA for more unreleased and unheard 1994-1995 bangers from the Thunder Jam Alliance crew. All tracks produced by Shaggy C. Such a shame a lot of this material didnt drop at the time of recording, but Herring, like Mighty Mouse, has come to save the day!!



Make sure you peep those snippets - some killer material right here for the heads!!!







Big shout out to my man Hakan Dougpark for the original connect and Unikone for his posts on the excellent Hip Hop The Golden Era Blog - 1L

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on golden vinyl, limited to 100 copies.

No introduction needed here, a true classic and gem originally recorded back in 1996. About 6 years ago me and my man Bee at Back 2 da Source released the album on vinyl for the first time ever.

The project sold out in less than 2 days and I've received countless mails throughout the years from fans asking for another press. So now it's finally here with 2 extra bonus demos previously unavailable on vinyl!

Let’s say after a long day at work, a strenuous workout, a half marathon, or maybe three months into a CrossFit membership, after ending a bad tinder date, you look at yourself in the bathroom sweating , frustrated, exhilarated, or something else to say mean things in a pensive pace. Mav flows over Damien’s slow grimy drums with melancholy loops on some colorfully designed vinyl. He’s either reflecting on some $hit or threatening the man in the mirror like Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver after losing his $hit.

Let’s say after a long day at work, a strenuous workout, a half marathon, or maybe three months into a CrossFit membership, after ending a bad tinder date, you look at yourself in the bathroom sweating , frustrated, exhilarated, or something else to say mean things in a pensive pace. Mav flows over Damien’s slow grimy drums with melancholy loops on some colorfully designed vinyl. He’s either reflecting on some $hit or threatening the man in the mirror like Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver after losing his $hit.

Hip-hop aficionados rejoice as the dynamic duo, emcee Substance810 & producer Observe Since '98, are set to unleash their magnum opus, "The Lion's Share 3: Pride of the Lion."

Building on the success of their previous collaborations, "The Lion's Share" parts 1 & 2, the upcoming trilogy promises to redefine the boundaries of sonic storytelling. This highly anticipated album, featuring 16 meticulously crafted songs, showcases the unparalleled chemistry between Substance810's lyrical prowess and Observe Since '98's innovative production. The listener is invited to embark on a thrilling sonic journey, where each track unveils a new layer of the duo's artistic evolution.

In a nod to the true aficionados, "The Lion's Share 3" offers an exclusive treat with 2 bonus songs available solely on physical copies of the album. This limited edition adds an extra dimension to the already rich tapestry of their musical narrative.

From the impactful storytelling in the lyrics to the masterful production that resonates with authenticity, "The Lion's Share 3: Pride of the Lion" is poised to captivate fans and critics alike. Substance810 and Observe Since '98 invite you to immerse yourself in an unparalleled hip-hop experience, as they once again redefine the boundaries of collaborative artistry.

Prepare for a musical odyssey like no other. "The Lion's Share 3: Pride of the Lion" is more than an album; it's a testament to the enduring power of creativity and collaboration in the world of hip-hop.

Featuring Appearances BY TY Farris, Josiah THE Gift, Ferris Blusa, Warv WON, D-styles & DJ Grazzhoppa!

This Japan edition was produced as a limited project for Willie The Kid's Japan tour in 2011 and it's compiled based on "The Fly 2.0" which featured The Alchemist, V DON, Styles P, Cory Gunz and Lee Bannon etc. Although it was originally released just in digital format, it is now available in a long-awaited vinyl format with obi-strip.

Glockoma 2 is the third studio album from Memphis rapper Key Glock, and follow-up to the wildly successful mixtape, Glockoma. The deluxe physical release sees the addition of 8 new tracks, and includes 3 singles released shortly after the digital deluxe release. As we’ve grown accustomed to with Key Glock’s solo albums, Glockoma 2 features all material written and performed by Key Glock, and only Key Glock. Standout tracks from the album include “Work,” “Dirt,” “Chromosomes,” “Presidential Rolex,” & the explosive single, “Let’s Go,” which saw its own moment of virality upon its cinematic music video release and was recently Certified Gold by the RIAA.

Reggie Gibson, aka Saafir, is a producer, actor and underground Oakland California legend known for his abstract form of emceeing. Saafir made his recording debut on Digital Underground’s The Body-Hat Syndrome in 1993, followed by an appearance on Casual’s Fear Itself in 1994, which led to his solo release Boxcar Sessions. The production was handled by Jay-Z, J Groove and Big Nose, with Sleuth and Saafir serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Big Nose, King Saan, Poke Martian and Rashinel.

We’re honored to reissue an album by a truly unique voice in hip hop and dearly missed friend, Tame One. The year is 2007, Fresh off collaborations with the likes of El-P, Cage, and The Weathermen, Tame One - one half of the Newark duo The Artifacts, was approached by a Montclair skateboard shop Division East, as he personified their East Coast new school culture of skating, graffiti, and MCing. This relationship gave way to Division East Records and their first full length release entitled "The Grudge." Despite its merits and the efforts of those involved, the album went largely unheard outside of NJ hip-hop circles. Call it a casualty of the post-CD/pre-streaming musical landscape of the early 00’s. Now, 17 years later and almost 2 years after his heartbreaking transition, issued for the time on purple vinyl, Tame One’s The Grudge.

Marv Won is a Detroit musical alchemist – a street poet laureate entrenched in the battle rap scene, as well as a cinematic world class producer as capable of channeling Dr. Dre as Donald Goines. Marv breaks new ground with his first Mello Music Group album “I’m Fine, Thanks For Asking” - a soul-baring endeavor, that weaves tales of struggle and triumph, drawing inspiration from his storied life in the Motor City.

As one of the most esteemed battle rappers, Marv Won brings a lyrical ferocity to his unapologetically raw and heartfelt rhymes. This album collaboration with Mello Music Group marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing a seamless fusion of his word play and production. The album, featuring collaborations with Quelle Chris, Elzhi, Freeway, Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother and more, cements Marv Won's status in the rap game. Marv Won's storytelling transcends mere verses, painting vivid portraits of life in the D. Over ten self-produced tracks Marv showcases his ability behind the boards with tracks that blend epic orchestration and Joe Louis drums that hit like Tommy Hearns.

Repress 2024. On “Breakin’ My Heart”, Jim Sharp finds a way to bridge the summery goodness of ATCQ with the original instrumentation sampled by Dilla. The iconic vocal lead of Bebel Gilberto floats over the boom bap drums to make it a sure shot. The flip side, “Check Minnie's Love” once again shows that Naughty NMX and Runex are on point. The product is horns, beefed up beats, fat bass and silky smooth vocals to make you think it’s ’92 again (without the Rhime). Minnie rips the lovely
vocals into a dance floor banger.

The latest slice of tasty vinyl from RS Records, the third one to be exact, is a 45 dedicated to that hip-hop love: heads who’ve had it bad for the culture and hip-hop lovers who just happened to catch a stray from Cupid! This time around, production was handled by Slick Walk, aka SaturnVybz and DJ Robert Smith. Side A kicks off with “50 (More Hits)," a space funk-inflected mellow banger featuring NYC legends QNC (Q-Ball and Curt Cazal) professing their love for the one and only. The combo of Premo-type crisp drum programming, soft cumulus cloud-like synths, and a warm, velvety bass will make you feel like you’re flying, that is, if you’re cruising in your car. If you’re just taking a stroll down your block, the sensation is that of walking on air. Stitched from references to old school and golden era gems, where almost every bar is a hyperlink to a deep classic, the track is literally a hip-hop encyclopedia.

Side B takes a turn into another type of mellow with “No Way Out.” The drums get thicker, the programming loses the retro inflection. The high hats start skipping, stuttering, and scuttling about, while the bass drops hella low to counterbalance a snare that straight up smacks you upside the head. The track features Slimkid3 of the legendary Pharcyde crew alongside Portland native R&B singer Moonbeam Kelly, going for a classic hip-hop duet. If you’ve ever been in love — as in, the type where you can’t sleep for days and all you can think about is... That’s the vibe right here! The instrumental will rattle the trunk lovely, while this extra sticky blend of voices will hijack your ears for a minute and some.

Dan-e-o’s hard-hitting 6th solo album “Vigilante” is equal parts lyricism clinic and seething social commentary. From the graphic novel album cover to the unapologetic lyrical content, “Vigilante” harshly critiques social media misuse, gun violence, anti-black racism, self-hatred, jealousy and self-doubt. Inspired by both the “Dexter” and “Death Note” series, Dan-e-o’s new album title represents his commitment to “kill” all of the negativity mentioned above. Well-known for his classic debut 1996 single, “Dear Hip Hop”, Dan-e-o is every bit as punchline-heavy as you would expect on “Vigilante”. The album is also the veteran Toronto lyricist’s most provocative project to date. Taking zero bars lightly and sparing no feelings, Dan calls out such personalities as Kanye West, Donald Trump and Candace Owens while condemning Fox News, murderous police officers and the Ku Klux Klan. He even finds time to address a past toxic relationship while not missing a beat tearing into talentless rappers. The soundscape of “Vigilante” can best be described as “heavy neck-snapping boom bap”. The head-nodders are supplied by Toronto’s Big Sproxx (Freedom Writers) and frequent collaborator Charisma a.k.a. Skizzz (Monolith) as well as Japan’s S-ky THE Cookinjax. With an impressive list of featured guests including such legendary artists as Masta Ace, Saukrates and even comedy superstar, Russell Peters, Dan-e-o has created a recipe for hip-hop perfection. “These are the best 12 songs in the history of my catalogue,” insists Dan-e-o, “Period.”

Compiled by legendary producer Arthur Baker, "Breakers Revenge" is a near-definitive collection of original Funk, Soul, Latin, Disco and Electro classic tracks from 1970-1984. These tracks, a combination of classics and obscurities, have all since become legendary to Breakdancers everywhere. First played at South Bronx block parties, community halls and park jams in the 1970s and 80s, spun endlessly by the first three major hip-hop DJs - Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa - and found in the record crates of any DJ of note ever since. Seminal funk and soul tracks such as Dennis Coffey"s "Scorpio", The Jimmy Castor Bunch"s "It"s Just Begun", James Brown"s "Get on the Good Foot", The Mohawks" "Champ" sit side-by-side here with the ground-breaking, classic electro of Afrika Bambaataa"s "Planet Rock", and Arthur Baker"s own definitive "Breaker"s Revenge".

Compiled by legendary producer Arthur Baker, "Breakers Revenge" is a near-definitive collection of original Funk, Soul, Latin, Disco and Electro classic tracks from 1970-1984.These tracks, a combination of classics and obscurities, have all since become legendary to Breakdancers everywhere. First played at South Bronx block parties, community halls and park jams in the 1970s and 80s, spun endlessly by the first three major hip-hop DJs - Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa - and found in the record crates of any DJ of note ever since.Seminal funk and soul tracks such as Dennis Coffey"s "Scorpio", The Jimmy Castor Bunch"s "It"s Just Begun", James Brown"s "Get on the Good Foot", The Mohawks" "Champ" sit side-by-side here with the ground-breaking, classic electro of Afrika Bambaataa"s "Planet Rock", and Arthur Baker"s own definitive "Breaker"s Revenge".

Dope collabo between Texan MC $os' [pronounced Sos] and Long Island beatmaker Lars Viola. These 2 cats met online and have been working on joints together for a couple of years. Lars played me the demos and I was instantly on board, like the true

fisherman that I am.



$os', like many great artists before him, growing up as the son of a Preacher[man], learned to play [drums] as a kid at church. He only listened to gospel and Christian music as a kid, but once he was exposed to the realness, he definitely changed his tune! He had always written poetry, even as a young'un, so the transition to rhyming was fairly natural. Hope you cats enjoy this 7" 4 track EP entitled "Food For Yo' Soul". Check the snippets - Lars' beats are crrrrrazy nice on this one...

And we're back. Sorry about Monday night - site issue - now fixed!!



It's been 7 years since the last 12" drop by Hahyeem on Herring and here we have a stunning new album produced exclusively by NYC beatmaker, and some say, protégé of Extra P, Karbine. Cats might know Karbine from his day job, working at A1 Records in NY.



This record will most definitely take heads back to Hahyeem's first release Silence. Drums are something horrible, horrible! Ooo weee. To me,it sounds a lot like Finesse's production, so what's not to like?



Hahyeem has been developing his rhyming style and overall artistry since we dropped Silence back then and this record is one of the nicest projects I've heard in a minute. Packaged in a full colour cover reminiscent of a Blue Note jacket and all on purple wax as requested by H, this one is crazy tasty. Don't sleep...you will regret it!





There are 300 copies on Purple Wax in Full Colour Jacket.

Record Store Day 2020 Release.
Limitation: 1000 copies.

Just in time for Record Store Day 2020, Coalmine Records and Duck Down Music are happy to announce the 7’ release of "Latoya Jackson," the commanding, gritty posse cut first appearing on Sean Price & Small Professor's LP, 86 Witness. The A-side is the original version which features Quelle Chris with cuts from DJ Revolution, while the flip side features the “Back to the Old School Remix,” with a gracious guest verse from the luminary lyricist Masta Ace.

Adding to the record's allure for bonafide collectors and hip-hop fans alike, the artwork has been handled by Atlanta-based heavyweight FRKO (Action Bronson, Gucci Mane), who expertly reimagined the cover of Just-Ice's classic Back to the Old School (Fresh Records, 1986). With an aptitude for details, FRKO's vibrant visual take superimposes Masta Ace into the scene, drawing from the rap veteran's cover artwork for his 2004 album, A Long Hot Summer. The parallel merger of classic iconography and refined cultural references accents the 7" release with exemplary execution, giving new legs to a track that further personifies the coveted energy of its initial release as an exclusive Record Store Day drop, all while paying homage to the late legend Sean Price.

This collector’s edition 7-Inch of "Latoya Jackson" is pressed on striking bubble gum pink vinyl.

Pete Rock is the man who J Dilla told, “I wanted to be like you.” Kanye once called himself the “new Pete Rock.” But the original Pete Rock remains permanently vital. The evidence bangs in his latest opus, Petestrumentals 2, the sequel to the 2001 classic that helped define the hip-hop instrumental record. It marks the legend’s first album on Mello Music Group, a fitting union between the author of the boom-bap blueprint and the label that’s expanded upon his legacy. Petestrumentals 2 conjures memories of BBQ cookouts and 70s Blaxploitation scores, rattling summer jeep cruises and blunted Jamaican vacations. There’s a gorgeous requiem to Dilla (“Dilla Bounce (R.I.P),” where the originator pays tribute to the prodigy. You see the full range of Rock’s gifts on display: the meticulously chopped horns, unquantized drums, and air raid sirens. It contains the emotion of a thousand eulogies. An even 20 slaps and rhythmic levitations. It’s Pete Rock at his best, accelerating and kicking cosmic slop, extending wishes, hope, love, gritty drums and eternal wonder. This special 24 for '24 Artist Series Edition is a one time pressing on metallic gold vinyl w/ original KipDaFog oil painted cover art.

Yung Bleu, also known as, Bleu Vandross, is a Hip-Hop/R&B artist from Mobile, Alabama. After scoring several major hits and racking up over 1 Billion streams and YouTube views early in his career with a series of smash love anthems, the multi-talented artist scored his first Billboard Hot 100 hit with “You’re Mines Still,” a joint single featuring Drake, which debuted at #52. It’s parent EP, Love Scars: The Five Stages of Emotions, likewise hit the Billboard 200 Chart. Following the success, Yung Bleu delivers his debut studio album, Moon Boy. Featuring hit songs such as “Baddest (feat. Chris Brown & 2 Chainz),” “You’re Mines Still (feat. Drake),” Beautiful Lies (feat. Kehlani),” & “Way More Close (Stuck In A Box) (feat. Big Sean),” the album also sees appearances from heavyweight artists such as H.E.R, John Legend, Kehlani, Kodak Black, Davido, Moneybagg Yo, Jeezy, Gunna & A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. Pressed on Black vinyl with White Splatter.

Holy grail hip-hop alert! Superstar Quamallah's Invisible Man was never released on wax so, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this astounding record, we present the first ever vinyl edition. A stunning record which gained accolades upon its initial release, such as a prominent feature on Gilles Peterson's renowned Best Of 2009 show, it's one of the most essential jazz rap albums of all time. Cut across double vinyl, it’s exceedingly limited, with just 500 pressed for the world.

Deep jazz rap on that mellow-melodic tip, Invisible Man is an unforgettable album with nothing but dope beats and dope bars. There's a strong chance this album has passed you by but we truly believe it to be a lost hip-hop masterpiece. It supremely captures the essence of a golden age classic without being slavish to the past. No, this ain't some facile throwback rap. It's a fresh and deeply soulful, original album shot through straight from the heart. Perfect to chill to, Invisible Man is profoundly jazz-oriented and captures with simplicity and sincerity the essence of hip-hop circa 1983-1994. It sounds like vibing with your nearest, dearest and oldest friends on a long hot summer night as the tantalising thought that anything is possible fills the air. You know what, we can just call this "magic hour rap" and we think you'll know what we mean. It's just beautiful. Just Listen.

Brooklyn-born, California-based emcee, DJ, and producer Superstar Quamallah was active in the West Coast underground scene throughout the 90s and recorded extensively with such revered names as Defari and Tajai. His parents were some serious artistic heavyweights, too; his father was soul organist Big John Patton, a giant in the jazz world known for his releases on Blue Note whilst his mother was an active designer. However, he remains relatively unknown. Invisible Man, named ostensibly after the classic Ralph Ellison novel, could also refer to how he is viewed by the public at large. With close affiliations to the Hieroglyphics, Dilated Peoples and Likwit crew, his debut EP "Don't Call Me John" arrived in 1999 on ABB Records, after which he took a sabbatical from recording which included graduate school, travelling, teaching at Inglewood High and eventually a professorship of African Studies at Berkeley.

With a laidback flow and deep, relaxing presence on the mic, Superstar Quamallah is equal parts Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and Guru. Invisible Man is refined, soulful, feel-good hip-hop of the old school. Its wise, spiritual and literate sound, combined with the summertime vibes projected by the smooth beats and the nostalgia-inducing samples and vocal scratches, created jazzy boom-bap rap reminiscent of prime De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr.

Irresistibly bouncing opener "You Need Knowledge" loops sparkling pianos, horns and a nagging whistle refrain with scratched vocal refrains from Slick Rick, Mobb Deep and Guru. The super-smooth head-nod classic "88 Soul" also utilises a beautifully swelling piano line and dusty breaks whilst Quamé reminisces about his childhood in NYC. Deeply moving, the silky, sultry "Black Shakespeare" is built around an elegant piano loop and goes hard on the superman lover tip whilst "For My People...It's Spiritual" is transcendental rap in conversation with Rakim and older gods. The "Moment Of Truth"-sampling "Lonely At The Top" is striking for its undiluted boom-bap stylings and the staccato flute-hop of "Just Listen" is riddled with soulful refinement. The deeply-affecting, wistful-yet-triumphant bells and horn-drenched single "California Dreamin'" is top-tier rap of unimpeachable quality. What a flow!

Another highlight is the rich melodic piano-rap of "Purity", a beautiful ode to the foundations of rap and those keeping the culture authentically alive. Beautifully played instruments and spiritual jazz samples elevate the deep thinking present on "Kunta Kente" whilst the darker jazz-tinged battle-rap of "93 Shit" goes super hard both in a lyrical sense and with its no-holds drum punches. The breezy Rhodes and string loops that serve as the sonic backdrop to the slinky jazz rap of "We Got Plots" are just gorgeous as our hero evokes Common's "I Used To Love H.E.R." with a head-spinning tale of crime, deception and double crossing. And some twist! "Do Win-Dis" has a tense crime-funk backing and rolling beats which complement Quamé's flow perfectly before the record is rounded out by the tough yet jazzy brilliance of rap confessional "Hope She Remembers Me". Just sensational.

Upon its original release, Quamallah himself declared: "My favorite time period for Hip Hop music was definitely between 1983 and 1994 with 1988 and 1993 being two years that standout as extremely impressive years musically and culturally. The fashion, slang, movies, TV shows and vibe during those years was incredible. While totally submerged in the feelings and music of that entire time period, I went to work on Invisible Man and I am excited for people to hear the result! It is an album that I would want to hear from some of my favorite artists of the past and present today. This is not a RETRO trip for me; this is me at my best lyrically and spiritually using the accessories of the 80s and 90s to fuel me. I am a 88 soul as the song states!"

This album goes deep. It goes all in. When Invisible Man first came out it had a real hold on us here at Be With HQ. We couldn't stop listening to it. We'd venture to say it's one of the top 25 rap records of the 2000s. In the years since its release, it has remained a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We sincerely hope this first time double LP release will go some way to correct this. It's been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. Finally available on the format it should always have been on, it must never be rendered invisible again.

Schäffer the Darklord and my new album presents a collection of tracks inspired by beloved Disney narratives, albeit with a darker interpretation. Among the featured songs are "No Windows, No Doors," drawing inspiration from the eerie Haunted Mansion ride; "Rated G for Trauma," which revisits the most unsettling scenes across Disney films; "Rivers of Avren," based on "The Black Cauldron"; and "The Wizard's Assistant," reflecting on "Fantasia's" Sorcerer's Apprentice. The album also explores "The Mayor's Head" from "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Finding Dreamfinder" from EPCOT's imaginative journey with Figment, and "Boogedy," inspired by the ghostly tale of Mr. Boogedy. Further tracks include "Tink of the Fae," offering a twist on "Peter Pan"; "Five Ways to Kill a Toon," hinting at the mixed universe of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"; "Pleasure Island," channeling the cautionary tale from "Pinocchio"; and "Mr. Ravenswood," which pays homage to the lore of Phantom Manor and Big Thunder Mountain in Disneyland Paris.

In a world full of cheesecake rappers, one man has assembled a phenomenal team to bring you madness. The original originator, ultramanetic, high-wire rap legend Kool Keith brings a star studded album to the fore. "Feature Magnetic" highlights MF Doom, SLug of Atmpshere, Mac Mall, Necro, Craig G, Dirt Nasty, Ras Kass and more. This special edition 24 for '24 Artist Series Vinyl also features original oil painting art by KipDaFog for this oen time pressing on tri-color canary cake vinyl.

With words as weapons and public infrastructure as his blank slate, John Fekner’s City Squad are always questing for the ineffable, even as they yearn for concrete change. Make no mistake, Idioblast is a serious party where everyone is welcome.

Released in 1984, Idioblast is a lost classic, a future shock narrative ahead of its time, and yet completely of its era, like few artifacts before or since. The cover tips you off from the jump—a crude but effective collage featuring classic Fekner slogans like Toxic Junkie, Growth Decay and Soft Brains Watch The Screen And Buy The Jeans. In an uncanny and tragic coincidence, the very first lyric on the album—“The place to be is on the space shuttle/if you’re brave enough to get on it”—seems to anticipate the Challenger disaster just two years later. But for the most part, the tracks on Idioblast directly reference the concepts that inspired Fekner’s visual art.

Musically, “Rapicasso” utilizes pneumatic pounding with an industrial edge as Fekner equates the great and controversial painter with risk-taking graffiti kids bombing trains and billboards across the city. Art is in a constant state of exploding—forms, paradigms, outdated ideas. Splitting the difference between hip-hop and new wave, the Santaniello-sung “The Beat” is like Thomas Dolby meets Run-DMC and should’ve been a radio staple for at least one sticky summer. It could soundtrack either a couples roller skate or a drug-fueled evening out.

Channeling Fekner’s slogan-stencil aesthetic, “Travelogue The 80’s” is a tour de force reminiscent of Negativland’s experiments in audio culture jamming. As Fekner details, “I grabbed all of the sounds via a shortwave radio picking up transmissions from LaGuardia airport and the TV. I recorded and edited on a Sony Pro Walkman and an Aiwa dual cassette deck.”

LA-based Japanese DJ/beatmaker Kapsoul, boasting over 20 years of career, announces the release of his first album "ascent"!

Known in Japan for his collaboration with Japanese rapper Senninso ("GaryPayton"), Kapsoul has garnered a reputation among hardcore hip-hop fans, and many have been eagerly anticipating this debut release. The album features a diverse lineup of artists, including NY rapper AA Rashid, a regular contributor to Westside Gunn's projects, LA underground favorite BLU, Declaime (Dudley Perkins) and Georgia Anne Muldrow, known for their releases on Stones Throw, and Kapsoul's own group Black HairImperial, among others. Additionally, instrumental tracks featuring jazz musicians with close ties to Kapsoul are also included, resulting in a project with musicality that transcends the boundaries of hip-hop.

Free Nationals are back with “Gangsta,” their first single since 2020. The Grammy Nominated group enlists longtime collaborator Anderson .Paak and A$ap Rocky for the smooth yet ominous track, infused with the funky retro-soul sound that brought the four-piece to prominence. With an accompanying video by renowned director Francois Rousselet, who has worked with The Rolling Stones, Jack White, and Pharrell in the past, Free Nationals give fans a taste of what’s to come and reintroduce themselves as the leaders of the funk.